Mumbai: CAMPCO chairman K Padmanabha urges union govt to shelve proposal to ban areca

Bellevision Media Network

Mumbai, Oct 29, 2014: The proposal to ban arecanut that has religious and cultural significance has to be shelved, instead the government has to announce areca is the medical plant that has religious significance in India, said CAMPCO chairman Konkody Padmanabha.

 

Padmanabha was speaking after inaugurating interactive meet with farmers about areca farming and enhancing quality, held at CPCRI regional center at Vittal, near here on Wednesday October 29.

 

 

‘The farmers who grow areca are relieved as PM Narendra Modi has assured to shelve the proposal to ban arecanut. The state-owned research centers ought to work for the betterment of farmers. It has not found out an effective remedy for decaying of areca leaves – a disease that affects plantations. The research had to be done to derive the medicinal qualities of areca nut in treating diabetes and cancer. The areca that has known qualities of enhancing mental stimulation has to be scientifically developed. The mechanized tree-climbing, dehusking areca plant, scientific processing ought to be developed for the benefit of areca farmers. CAMPCO will collaborate with CPCRI in increasing areca nut produce and its quality, said Padmanabha.

 

Calicut – Areca and Spices Development director Dr Homi Cherian, Shimoga – MAMCO director P N Sasidar, All India Areca Growers Association president Manchi Srinivas Achar, ‘Adike’ bulletin editor Sripadre and progressive farmer Badanaje Poogavana Shankar Bhat and Kasargod – Miyapadav progressive faremr Dr D C Chowta partaken in the interactive meet.

 

CPCRI regional chief Dr K S Anand welcomed the gathering. The scientist Dr D Jagannat proposed vote of thanks. The scientist Dr Nagaraj N R compered the programme.